Public Comments Sought on Draft Facilities Development Plan at Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking written public comments on an Environmental Assessment/Assessment of Effect for the Draft Facilities Development Plan (EA) being released for public review on January 5, and will present the alternatives and their effects at an open house on January 15, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m., Eastern Time, in the Assembly Room at Washington County Community College in Calais.

When finalized, the Facilities Development Plan will guide NPS facility development on the mainland portion of Saint Croix Island International Historic Site at Red Beach in Calais, Maine, for the next 15 to 20 years. Proposed new facilities would enhance future visitors’ experiences and enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency in support of the park’s mission. Written comments on the EA will be accepted until February 4, 2009.

The EA presents four alternatives for providing universally accessible visitor and administrative facilities at Red Beach, specifically a ranger station with year-round restrooms and other amenities, expanded maintenance facilities, and employee housing. This development would be accomplished while also protecting the community’s and site’s character, historic structures, cultural landscapes, and natural and cultural resources. It will also address the use of the McGlashan-Nickerson house, acquired by the NPS in 2000, after the park’s General Management Plan was published. The EA explains the purpose and need for the plan, describes natural and cultural resources near the project site, describes actions that would be taken to minimize adverse effects, and evaluates the potential effects of each alternative. It will not address future use of the adjacent privately owned parcels located within the site’s authorized boundary. No facilities are planned for Saint Croix Island.

The EA will be available for review and comment on the Internet from the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website at: http://parkplanning.nps.gov. Click on “Saint Croix Island Intl HS” from the “Choose a Park” drop-down menu, then “Go”, and then click on the project name to find the EA or submit comments electronically. Paper copies of the EA will be available for review in Calais, Eastport, St. Stephen, and St. Andrews public libraries, or can be obtained by calling Saint Croix Ranger Meg Scheid at 207-454-3871. The superintendent of Acadia National Park administers Saint Croix Island International Historic Site.

In case of inclement weather on January 15, the open house will take place on January 22, at the same time and location. For more information about the Facilities Development Plan, please call Meg Scheid at 207-454-3871.